Still, the Mustangs' fifth-year coach believes in his bunch. Junior quarterback Brandon Bisack played well in limited action, despite a suspect group of skill-position players around him. He'll be given the Mustangs' spread offense and will be expected to hit targets like classmates, wide receiver Ryan Brown and running back T.J. Gallagher.

"We have some potential weapons," DellaVolpe said.

Up front, behemoths Ahmad Hourani and Colin McKeown-- both 6-2 and 270-plus pounds-- will anchor the Mustangs' line. Tight end Brian Kerrigan will also offer Bisack a receiving option and, along with McKeown, will serve as the Mustangs' captains.

"Up front, we'll be counting on McKeown and Hourani to handle things on both sides of the ball," DellaVolpe said.

When asked to name the top teams in the always-treacherous FCIAC, DellaVolpe named Greenwich, New Canaan, Staples, Ridgefield, St. Joseph and Trumbull. And, after opening at Foran in the SCC-FCIAC Challenge, Warde will endure meetings with the Eagles, Rams, Cardinals and Cadets.

"Defense will be key for this team," DellaVolpe said. "We face a treacherous schedule."